Function of Position

Reporting to the Associate Dean of Services, Technologies, and Collections, this director provides leadership in developing, implementing, and assessing library instruction and student engagement initiatives. This director-level position designs innovative instructional programs, oversees outreach activities, directs the efforts of Sherrod Library’s Student Success Librarians, and collaborates with campus partners contributing to students’ academic success. This position participates in library planning and decision making, library faculty governance, and library faculty initiatives to engage with academic faculty to support their teaching and research. Key responsibilities include developing and implementing initiatives aligned with university and library goals, creating partnerships with academic and student affairs departments, leading assessment efforts to measure and demonstrate the library’s impact on student learning, and advocating for information literacy across the curriculum. As a member of the library faculty, the Director of Student Success and Instruction is expected to engage in work-related professional development and to satisfy the requirements for a tenure-track position at the rank of Associate or Full Professor in the areas of academic assignment, research, and service.

Essential Functions

• Provide strategic leadership in the design, delivery, and assessment of instructional services (both online and in person), ensuring alignment with library and institutional goals.
• Develop and implement a vision for student success and instructional services, fostering innovative, interdisciplinary initiatives that enhance academic engagement and achievement.
• Coordinate and support instructional activities across the library, collaborating with librarians and staff to ensure cohesive and effective teaching practices.
• Represent the Sherrod Library in campus-wide student success initiatives and divisions.
• Lead the library’s outreach and engagement efforts, including planning events, orientations, and campus partnerships that promote library services and student involvement.
• Oversee student-centered programs such as the Library Ambassador Program, and engage with campus learning communities to support academic success.
• Hire, train, and evaluate librarians and staff within the Student Success & Instruction unit, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
• Collect, analyze, and report data on instruction, outreach, and student engagement to inform decision-making and demonstrate impact.
• Promote a collaborative and innovative environment, encouraging experimentation, teamwork, and the sharing of best practices among library faculty and staff.
• Participate in and support reference services, providing research assistance through in-person, chat, and virtual platforms to meet the diverse information needs of students, faculty, and staff.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and opportunities for libraries to contribute to student success.
• Engage in scholarly activity and service appropriate for tenure-track library faculty under the University and Library policies for tenure and promotion.

Secondary Functions

• Participates in library planning, evaluation, and reporting activities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Deep understanding of instructional theories, learning outcomes, and assessment strategies for both in-person and online environments.
• Familiarity with evolving curricular models, interdisciplinary education, and student success initiatives in higher education.
• Knowledge of theories and practices regarding libraries’ contributions to student success.
• Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative assessment methods to evaluate instructional impact and student success.
• Understanding of how to design, implement, and evaluate student-centered programs and outreach initiatives.
• Knowledge of project management to oversee multiple projects concurrently and ensure they meet deadlines and objectives.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with faculty, staff, students, and campus partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for instruction, outreach, and advocacy.
• Ability to set a vision, lead teams, and align student success initiatives, library instruction, and outreach with institutional goals.
• Ability to foster a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive work environment that encourages experimentation and shared learning.
• Ability to balance administrative responsibilities with direct service, program development, and strategic initiatives.
• Potential for meeting university standards for tenure and promotion at rank, including scholarly activity and professional service.

Supervision Given and Received

• Reports to Associate Dean of Services, Technologies, and Collections.
• Performs under general supervision. Plans and arranges own work directed toward established objectives.
• Supervises two faculty librarians and provides oversight for graduate and student employees.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in library or information science from an ALA accredited program.
• Three or more years of progressively more responsible experience in academic library instruction, student success, or related areas.
• Record of professional engagement, such as presentations, publications, or active participation in library or higher education organizations.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience supervising and mentoring librarians and staff in an academic library.
• Experience collaborating with faculty, academic departments, and campus partners to support student learning and success.
• Experience in assessment of library instruction and student success or engagement.
• Familiarity with national standards and frameworks, such as the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education.